Cast

Teddy Kassa

as himself

I’m Teddy. I was born in T.O., lived briefly in Ethiopia and am now working towards an honours degree in economics, politics and philosophy in London, Ontario. Things you should know about me: I’m always up for a good debate–as long as the opposing viewpoints are logical; I'm passionate about international politics and Toronto culture; and just so we’re all clear, I’d take a bullet for Kanye West, as long as ’Ye signs the wound afterwards.

Laila Hobbs

as herself

I’m Laila. I was born in Florida but have lived in Toronto since I was a kid. I’m a big believer in equality, so you’ll find my views are mostly liberal–though I do understand the need for financial responsibility. I’m currently in my second year of university, studying nuclear engineering. Needless to say, I have a passion for science (specifically physics) and I hope to work for NASA or SpaceX one day. When I’m not studying, I’m following celebs like Chrissy Teigen, Rihanna and Zendaya, who use their influence to engage youth in politics.

Gracie Lowes

as herself

I’m Gracie, an activist and Loran Scholar studying philosophy and economics in Montreal. I got involved with advocacy groups early – back in high school – and founded a local chapter of Days for Girls International, which empowers women and girls worldwide with feminine hygiene solutions and health education. I spent this past summer working at HIPS, a U.S. organization supporting the health of those impacted by sex work and drugs. In my spare time, I’m interested in art and music and especially love seeing storytelling combined with advocacy.
Follow me on Twitter @GracieLowes

Frank Hong

as himself

I’m Frank. I may be young but I’ve got a lot to say–especially on the subject of racism. Like it or not, it’s still alive and well in Canada, and I’ve got the viral video to prove it. I’ve been actively involved in politics since I was nine and, most recently, served as vice president of the Toronto District School Board’s student government, the Student SuperCouncil. In my downtime, I like watching movies and TV and catching up on the latest celebrity drama.

Christian Metivier

as himself

I’m Christian, a first-year neuroscience student at the University of Chicago. Don’t let my name fool you: I only go to church to bank volunteer hours and don’t have a firm answer to the God question. Generally, I’d say I’m a conservative but I’m more left-leaning when it comes to issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights. I love baseball and rock ’n’ roll but am not a fan of celebrities using their platforms to talk about their personal beliefs, thank you very much.

Michael Morales

as himself

I’m Michael, a 19-year-old hip-hop artist, born and raised in Toronto. I graduated a year early from high school and now devote my time to spreading awareness of social justice issues across Canada. I believe in the power of pop culture to bring together communities of people who otherwise wouldn’t have gotten the chance to learn from each other. I’ve played shows all around the city, including opening for Grammy Award-winning singer Mya, and hope to inspire positive change through my art.

SIDES* is a new series for youth, by youth. A place to explore the topics and ideas you deem important. A place to speak your truth and hear the other side, too.

Anchored by a weekly live show on Twitter (Wednesdays at 8e/5p, @sides), SIDES* features an outspoken cast debating the most talked-about topics of the week alongside viewers, who are invited to join the conversation in real time by using the hashtag #MySide.

But the discussion doesn’t stop there. Not even close. Our feed stays fresh all week long with new thought-provoking content daily across all our social channels. SIDES* on Much (Saturdays at 9e/6p) brings together the week’s hottest debates, rants and reactions from both the live show and social media in a weekly one-hour episode.

We’re not all cynics, we’re not all optimists. We’re not left. We’re not right. We’re all SIDES*.